coziroof

Quick answer

Atlanta is 33% cheaper than Boston overall. A $100K salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $133,000 in Boston.

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Atlanta vs Boston Cost of Living (2026)

Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.

Overall COL difference

Atlanta is 33% cheaper

1BR rent difference

+58% (B vs A)

$100K in A = in B

$133,000

Atlanta vs Boston: Side-by-Side

Category
Atlanta
Boston
Diff

1BR median rent

$1,650/mo

$2,600/mo

+58%

2BR median rent

$2,100/mo

$3,400/mo

+62%

Median home price

$385K

$720K

+87%

Avg monthly groceries

$360

$420

+17%

Avg monthly utilities

$165

$160

-3%

State income tax

5.49%

5%

Boston saves

Walk score

48/100

83/100

Boston better

Transit score

42/100

75/100

Boston better

Salary Equivalency Calculator

How much you need to earn in Boston to maintain the same standard of living as your current Atlanta salary — and vice versa.

Atlanta salary
Boston equivalent
Boston salary → Atlanta equiv.

$60,000

$80,000

$45,000

$80,000

$106,000

$60,000

$100,000

$133,000

$75,000

$120,000

$159,000

$90,000

$150,000

$199,000

$113,000

Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.

Monthly Budget: Atlanta vs Boston

Atlanta, GA
1BR rent$1,650/mo
Groceries$360/mo
Utilities$165/mo
Transport (est.)$350/mo
State income tax5.49%
Essentials total$2,525/mo
Boston, MA
1BR rent$2,600/mo
Groceries$420/mo
Utilities$160/mo
Transport (est.)$350/mo
State income tax5%
Essentials total$3,530/mo

Who Each City Is Best For

Atlanta is best for

  • tech workers
  • film industry professionals
  • logistics professionals
  • Southern culture enthusiasts

Boston is best for

  • biotech / pharma professionals
  • academics / researchers
  • healthcare workers
  • finance professionals

FAQs

Is Atlanta or Boston cheaper to live in?

Atlanta is 33% cheaper than Boston overall. Atlanta 1BR rent ($1,650/mo) vs Boston ($2,600/mo). Median home price: Atlanta $385K vs Boston $720K.

How much salary do I need in Boston to match $100K in Atlanta?

$133,000 in Boston is equivalent to $100,000 in Atlanta based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+58% difference) and state taxes (Atlanta: 5.49% vs Boston: 5%).

What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Boston?

1BR: Atlanta $1,650/mo vs Boston $2,600/mo (+58%). 2BR: Atlanta $2,100/mo vs Boston $3,400/mo (+62%).

Does Atlanta or Boston have lower taxes?

Atlanta (GA) has 5.49% state income tax. Boston (MA) has 5% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$490.